Next Meeting: ELECTIONS!  August 9, 2010, 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center.

If you know anyone for Chair or Vice-Chair, we need him or her.  Neither Val nor Jim will be running.

Vice-Chair Jim Smith called the meeting to order – Chair Val Crist arrived later.  Eleven people attended: Member at Large Lisa McConnell, Mary Ryan, Bear Carlson, James D. Smith, Jack Laughlin, Karen Simmons, John Sand, Susan Fernalld, Val Crist, Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer, and Edie Eilender.

Minutes of the April 12 meeting were approved.

Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Adriana Galue is out of town.  Gretchen spoke with Dick Cole who has the checkbook and reports that our balance is $5676.10.  We received $348.00 from Susan Fernalld, Weed Management.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Community Planning/Trails – Gretchen reports that she, Lin Folsom, Karen Simmons, Max Yeager, and Michael Albes met with Jim Daus, and walked around Horsfal Ridge where the County has proposed a potential trail in conjunction with the proposed acquisition of BLM land through the Recreation and Public Purposes Act. This trail would cross properties owned by Lin and Gretchen & Michael, which would require an easement from them.  It is proposed to be located approx. ¾ of the way down the hill (close to Four Mile), starting somewhere near Lambert’s and perhaps curving around the end of the ridge, running along the east side and meeting up with our driveway that goes past the Mill and in along the ridge.  It’s all very iffy at this point as the land has yet to be acquired, but Jim, as a Land Acquisition Officer for Boulder County Parks and Open Space, wanted to see how feasible a trail is on the ground versus the map as well as where Lin and Gretchen & Michael would prefer or not to see it located.

Karen is proposing a questionnaire asking what Gold Hill people think about issues concerning local trails proposed for our area – for instance, do we want bikes, dogs, horses, how close to town or other homes should trails be constructed, and what kind of signage would be helpful, as well as any other issues we come up with.  If you have input on this, please contact Karen at 447-8607 or Gretchen at 442-3847 or gretchend@mac.com.

Historical Zoning – John reports that Peter Swift, a design consultant who has worked with the committee before, has rented Terry Walters’ cabin and may be helpful with the proposed guideline revisions.

Bear reports that Elon Bar-Evan has completed the installation of solar panels on the roofs of his house and garage.  They’re flush mounted and blend in well with the existing roof – a good example of what the committee would like to see.  Jeff Combelic has done the same kind of installation as well as solar thermal panels along his porch for hot water.

From Cherry Sand’s written report: Michelle Bar Evan is pursuing getting her mid 1870’s house at 501 Main St. land-marked with the County with the idea she would be eligible for matching funds to do necessary repairs on the foundation and roof as well as window replacement in keeping with the historic character of the original house.  Historic Zoning has not received any plans on the scope of her project as yet.

Reminder from Historic Zoning: The Gold Hill Historic Zoning Committee is an advisory group established for the purpose of assisting those citizens who want to make exterior changes to their property in keeping with the historic character of the town.

In order to speed the process of making changes to your property such as remodeling, replacement/repair, or new construction, please submit your plans to the Gold Hill Historic Zoning Board BEFORE applying for a permit with the County.  The County always kicks it back to us for approval and if we know nothing about the project, it tends to get held up until we can talk to the owner and review plans.  Contact any of the following members for information/consultation: Cherry Sand (303-443-2543); Bear Carlson (303-443-3256); Dan Gretz (303-440-1969); Amy Hardy (303-442-3316); Steve Barnard (303-444-2648).

Forest Management – Edie reported on the workshop held just before this meeting by Ryan Ludlow and Bob Bundy on Forest Management and the Beetle invasion.  They certainly recommend identifying beetle hit trees and dealing with them before the beetles fly to new trees, but they also warned that the worst-case scenario is that we will lose 90% of our pines and basically need to plan for future forest diversity.  We have an advantage over the Western Slope in that our forest is already so much more diverse than theirs.   They are available to help us and Edie will speak with them about coming up again, perhaps in October to update us.

CWPP – Val reports that our current town projects are done for now and encourages people to continue with individual mitigation projects.

Fire Department – Val encourages people to come on down to trainings which are held the 4^th “Thursday evenings and on the 2^nd Saturdays of each month.  Training continues with the 3 departments, Fourmile, Sunshine and Gold Hill.

Weed Management – Susan reports that the Aspens we planted are doing well – 97% are living and putting out new leaves.

They conducted the class on Mountain Gardening in April, talked about noxious weeds and sold native flower seeds.  They still have some left – contact Susan at sfernelld@msn.com or 447-0634.

A group buy for Verbenone was organized to obtain a price break.  It does fairly well in non-epidemic conditions.  In epidemic conditions it buys us some time until we get a big cold snap and to plant for diversity.

Our wacko, silly Mountain Pine Beetles singing group is performing at Allenspark on June 26^th in the afternoon.  They have a new presentation, “Freak to Freak Highway,” about life in the mountains, old hippies, dogs, raising kids in the mountains, living with wildlife, etc.

ADDENDUM: They will also be performing at the Gold Hill Inn’s Beer Garden on Sunday, August 15^th at 7:30.

Historic Gold Hill – Edie reports that the Museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays unless it is really cold (there is no heat).  The Calendar is coming along and we hope to have it our for the 4^th of July.  We have some previously unseen old pictures because the Millsite donated back a wonderful photo album that Billy Weaver had given them.

Mining – Jim reports that he did the quarterly water monitoring samples today.  Aurora Gold intends to sign an agreement tomorrow with Global Minerals for the Mill, etc.  They are out of Zurich, originally from Australia, and are brokers.  Jim has been hired as caretaker.  They intend to start slowly, perhaps do some core drilling, and will look into all permitting to make sure everything is up to date.  There have been no violations or citations from any regulatory agencies at this time.  Jim will present an invitation to them to come to a GHTM in the future.

Gold Hill School – no report

OLD BUSINESS

Meadow/Fence Report – Val reports for Kurtis Leverentz that he has finished removing the old fence and it looks good.

NEW BUSINESS

Cemetery – Karen Simmons would like to see an opening of the fence to the Cemetery along the west edge and perhaps steps there and near the gate.  The Gold Hill Club is considering a project in the Cemetery – cleaning it up and so on, and Val suggested they bring a proposal to the Town Meeting and work with Bob Walter as Chair of the Cemetery Committee.  May have to check with the County about any steps since they would probably be in the County right of way.

Gold Hill Club – John reports that when Denise Grimm, County Historic Preservation Department, came up to look at Michelle Bar-Evan’s, she noted that we could landmark the cemetery and possibly get matching funds for any work there.  Restrictions imposed by landmarking mean that the visual appearance couldn’t be changed.

Joe Weaver will conduct a Mine Tour at 11:00 a.m. on August 14^th.

The Gold Hill Club’s 3^rd Annual Town Picnic will be July 11, from 11:00 – 3:00 in Sinner’s side yard.

Town Bake and Rummage Sale –Lisa McConnell is looking for volunteers for a planning committee.  Anyone with beefs about past events or ideas about for the next one, please contact Lisa at 443-3732

The GHTM holds an annual bake and rummage sale to raise operating funds, sponsors this web site, organizes the Spring Cleanup, and has many committees working on topics of importance to the community, such as long term planning, wildfire protection, and forest management. Meetings are held six times each year: February, April, June, August, October, and December, on the second Monday of the month at the Community Center (Fire Barn).

The current Town Council as of August 2010 is as follows:

Chair: Amy Hardy, Vice Chair: John Sand,  Secretary: Gretchen Diefenderfer, Treasurer: Adriana Galue, Member at Large: Debra Yeager.

Elections are held once a year at the August meeting.

Those residing in the town meeting area, excluding Summerville, may vote at town meetings provided they:

• Are at least 18 years of age
• Have lived in Gold Hill for 60 days during the 12 months prior to the meeting or for 60 days during the previous 5 years with no less than 5 days in any 1 year
• Are registered with the Secretary at the meeting
• Are present at the meeting to be certified to vote at the meeting

Map of the area

For the bylaws, click here

Code of Bylaws

of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc.

These bylaws were approved by unanimous vote at the second reading on 2-14-2000

Article I

Name, Purpose, and Mailing address

Section 1, Name: The name of this organization shall be Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc.

Section 2, Purpose: The purpose of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be:

1.              To hold town meetings and provide a forum for community discussion and basis for community action, and to establish qualifications for participation therein.

2.              To acquire, hold, sell, or lease real property for the general purpose of preserving the historical and natural setting of Gold Hill and the surrounding area.

3.              To act as trustee.

4.              To cooperate with the County Planning Department, County Health Department, and other departments of the County, State, or Federal government.

5.              To take any and all other action to improve, preserve, and benefit the community of Gold Hill and the surrounding area.

6.              To apply for and receive government grants or assistance, to solicit funds and donations, and undertake or sponsor community fund-raising projects.

7.              To do all other acts necessary or appropriate to promote the social welfare of the community of Gold Hill.

Section 3, Mailing address: The mailing address of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be: 1011 Main Street – Gold Hill, Boulder, CO  80302-8777.

Article II

Membership

Section 1, Eligibility: Those residing in the following area are members and may vote at town meetings, provided they fulfill the voting requirements set forth in Article II, Section 2, Qualification.   This area to be described as the territory within these lines: On the north from the junction of Left Hand Creek and Lickskillit eastward to Snowbound, south to Bighorn Mountain, southwest to Monument Hill, west to Oxbow curve on the Mt. Alto Road, north to Left Hand Creek, and east to the starting point, this area to exclude Summerville.

Section 2, Qualifications: In order to vote, a member of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. must:

1.              Be a minimum of 18 years of age.

2.              Have lived in Gold Hill for sixty days during the twelve months prior to the meeting or for sixty days during the previous five years with no less than five days in any one year.

3.              Be registered with the Secretary at the meeting.

4.              Be present at the meeting to be certified to vote at that meeting.

Article III

Members Meetings

Section 1, Regular meetings: Regular meetings of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be held six times each year: February, April, June,  August, October, and  December on the second Monday of the month at such time and place as may be determined by the Town Council.

Section 2, Annual meetings: The annual meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be held on the second Monday of August each year.  The election of Town Council members shall be held at the annual meeting.

Section 3, Special meetings: Special meetings of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. may be called by the Chair:

1.              At the request of at least three members of the Town Council.

2.              By petition requesting a special meeting signed by at least twenty members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc.

Section 4, Written notice: Written notice of all members= meetings shall be delivered to members residing locally and sent by U.S. Mail to members who do not reside locally at least two weeks prior to all regular, annual, and special meetings.

Section 5, Quorum: A quorum for a member=s meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall exist if three of five members of the Town Council are present to transact any business to be presented in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation or Code of Bylaws.

Article IV

Town Council

Section 1, Members: The Town Council shall consist of five members as follows: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Member at Large.

Section 2, Eligibility: The Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer must be a year round resident defined as an individual who has lived within the bounds of the Gold Hill Town Meeting area at least nine consecutive months prior to the election.  All five council members shall be a minimum of 21 years of age.

Section 3, Term of Office: Each council member shall hold office until a successor is duly elected and qualified.   Any council member may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Town Council.  Any such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein, and, unless otherwise specified, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Section 4, Removal: Any council member may be removed according to the following procedure:

1.              At a regularly scheduled meeting, where a quorum is present, the removal of a council member may be proposed by a simple majority of those members present.

2.              The proposed removal of a council member must be included with the minutes of the meeting and distributed to the members at least two weeks prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting.

3.              At the next regularly scheduled meeting, the council member may be removed by a majority vote of the Gold Hill Town Meeting.

Section 5, When a council member moves: Any council member, other than the member-at large, shall automatically resign upon moving from within the area bounded by the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc.

Section 6, Vacancies: Any vacancy must be filled for the remainder of the term by appointment by a majority of the council members within two weeks of its occurrence.

Section 7, Town Council meetings: A meeting of the Town Council may be called by any member of the Town Council by giving notice to all members of the Town Council at least two days prior to such meeting.  Town Council meetings are for discussion.  No decisions(s) reached at a Town Council Meeting are binding on the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. or the Town Council, or any member of the Town Council.

Section 8, Town Council Duties: Each Town Council member shall have the duties ordinarily attending the office held and other duties as the Town Council may designate.

Article V

Committees

Section 1, Purpose: Committees of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. may be established for the purpose of carrying out the business of the meeting.  They are to make reports at members meetings. Their findings will be approved and published, as appropriate, by the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc.

Section 2,Creation: At a member=s meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc., when a quorum is present, the Chair, with the approval of the members at the meeting, may appoint a committee chair and ask for other members to be part of that committee.

Section 3, Dissolution: At a member=s meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc., when a quorum is present, the Chair, with the approval of the members at the meeting, may dissolve a committee.

Article VI

Contracts, Checks, Deposits, Etc.

Section 1, Contracts: The Town Council, with the approval of the members at a duly called members meeting, may authorize any council member(s)or agent(s) of the Corporation to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of or on behalf of the Corporation.  Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

Section 2, Checks, Drafts, Notes, Etc.: All checks, drafts, notes, etc., shall be signed and executed on behalf of the Corporation by those Town Council members authorized to sign checks for the Corporation.

Section 3, Deposits: All funds of the Corporation shall be deposited to the credit of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Town Council, with the approval of the members at a duly called members meeting, may select.

Section 4, Gifts: The Town Council, with the approval of the members at a duly called members meeting, may accept on behalf of the Corporation any contribution, gift, or bequest.

Article VII

Amendments

These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed and new Bylaws may be adopted according to the following procedure:

Section 1.  At a regularly scheduled meeting, where a quorum is present, Bylaw change(s) may be proposed by a simple majority of those members present.  Proposed Bylaw changes are to be made and approved section by section.

Section 2.  The proposed Bylaw sections(s), and the Bylaw section(s) that are intended to be replaced,  must be included with the minutes of the meeting and distributed to the members at least two weeks prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Section 3.  At the next regularly scheduled meeting, the sections of the new Bylaws may be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. who are present.  Bylaw changes are to be voted on section by section.

Article VIII

Dissolution

This Corporation may be dissolved according to the following procedure:

Section 1.  At regularly scheduled meeting, where a quorum is present, dissolution of the corporation  may be proposed by a simple majority of those members present.

Section 2.  The proposed dissolution of the corporation must be included with the minutes of the meeting and distributed to the members at least two weeks prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Section 3.  At the next regularly scheduled meeting, the dissolution of the corporation  may be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. who are present.

Next Meeting will be June 14, 2010, 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center                

The meeting was called to order by Chair Val Crist.  Twelve people attended: Edie Eilender, Barb Barnard, Member at Large Lisa McConnell, Cherry and John Sand, Mark A. Steen, Kurtis Leverentz, Karen Simmons, Jim Smith, Val Crist, Treasurer Adriana Galeu, and Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.

Minutes of the February 8 meeting were approved.

The Climb – Val expressed Phil Carter’s thanks to all for their contributions.  They are within $1000 of the $7,000 needed to obtain the maximum contribution from the County (and they are still taking money).  Ride the Climb!

Treasurer’s Report – Adriana reported that there have been two checks written to reimburse her:  $10.00 for filing the State Report online, and the second for the Insurance Company for our liability insurance for $751.00. A third check was also written for $164.04 for the Assessor’s exemption property annual fee.  We started with a $6253.14 and so our total balance is now $5320.10.

From Adriana’s records in December ’09, our balance began in August with  $3940.19

In her December ’09 report we had 3 deposits

John Sand, reimbursement for Sesquicentennial expenses – $500.00

Leslie Finn – Cemetery Fund donation                                    $250.00

Rummage Sale proceeds from Elon                                              $1,600.45

And one check to Jennie Rice, reimbursement for rent paid            -  $37.50

Balance: 6253.14

Edie requested the amounts in Forest Management and the other accounts.  In Adriana’s absence, by my calculations, the amounts on the separate funds are probably

General Fund                          2185.45            Cemetery                        2862.21

Weed Mgmt                            80.81            Forest Mgmt                               75.22

Trails                                        31.29            Long Range Planning                82.00

Historical Zoning                11.12

For a total balance of $5328.10.  We will have to check this with Adriana when she returns.

She is out of town until June, and Dick Cole has the checkbook in her absence.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Community Planning/Trails – Gretchen reports on the Committee Meeting with Chad Ricklefs, March 29, 2010, at the Gold Hill Store

Attending: Karen Simmons, Marie Brookhart, Edie Eilender, John & Cherry Sand, and Gretchen Diefenderfer

Chad is a Resource Planner in the Land Use Department and our contact person on the Open Space plans for our area (303-678-6273 or cricklefs@bouldercounty.org).  He was happy to meet with us and very willing to attend a Town Meeting at any time in the future to answer any questions.

He reports that it will be several years before the County finalizes the acquisition of the BLM land (first, the BLM has to finish its’ surveying).  He hopes the BLM will finish analyzing and reviewing the application this year.  Then the County will spend approximately 2 years on the management plan and he looks forward to working with us on this.  The County will have a team of around 15 people to inventory it all, etc.

The trails, parking, etc. on the preliminary plan that we worked on with Jeff Moline in 2003-4 are conceptual alignments only and will need ground truthing.   We asked him about possible uses – bikes, motorized, horses?  That’s all to be worked out, but there will be no motorized use trails.  Many people also have concerns about people wandering off trails and onto private property, encountering mine holes, liability issues, etc.  He confirmed that the County intends to stick with the minimalist approach to development and they take concerns like this into account. There will be a website with the Gold Hill Project on it as it all develops and he will let us know when they set this up.  He will post maps, etc.

Karen brought several maps that Chad supplied pertaining to lands the County now owns, as well as those they are negotiating for. There seem to be some inconsistencies on the County maps to be clarified.  She added that the committee has discussed conducting a survey to find out the views of the community on old/historic trails as well as possible new trails the County may establish on the BLM land to be acquired.

Forest Management – Edie brought a USFS Landowners’ Guide to Living with Bark Beetles.  There are more available at the Gold Hill Store or from the USFS.  She reminded everyone that now is the time to deal with new beetle hit trees if you haven’t already.  Karen wondered if there is any interest in purchasing more Verbanone for this year.

CWPP – Kris Gibson reported to Val that the South Project is done and there is now a pretty good mitigation perimeter around Gold Hill.  There are still some piles remaining to be burned.  They will keep working with the Forest Service to look for funding sources to continue with further mitigation work.

Fire Department – Val reports that training continues the 4^th Thursday evenings and 2^nd Saturdays of the month and all are welcome.  Several firefighters have taken the Wildland Fire Refresher Course to stay up to date.

Weed Management – Susan Fernalld’s class on flower gardening above 8,000 feet will be Sunday, April 25.  She has lots of wildflower seed packets for sale and can be contacted at 303-447-0634 or sfernalld@msn.com.

Historic Gold Hill – Edie reports that the Museum is alive and well.  We have started on the calendar for 2011 and are always looking for contributions: photos (old and new), drawings, poems, and ideas!  The Museum is open by appointment only in the winter, but call her (303-444-0778) if you have visitors who would like to see it.

ADDENDUM – if you would like to run an ad. for your business in the calendar, contact Dick Cole at 303-443-7459.

Historic Zoning – Cherry reports that the only project in the works is Elon Bar-Evan’s solar panels.  HZ has approved them and he just has to proceed with the County.  The County identifies this as a small project and has notified only the directly adjacent neighbors.  Cherry passed around Elon’s plans and there is a copy at the Store.

They are in the process of developing guidelines for solar installations (see Old Business below).

Mining – In Bob Mason’ absence, John Sand asked Mark Steen, who then asked Jim Smith, for updates on any negotiations regarding the Mill.  Jim reported that he recently gave a tour to Jim Beck and Paul Jones doing due diligence for Aurora Gold.  Mark replies that his understanding is that Aurora is planning to proceed with their purchase of Global Minerals and that he will then have a new joint venture agreement with them sometime within a few weeks to months.  He says they are going to complete all permitting – local, State, and Federal and do everything on the up and up.  Mark still believes that water was pumped out of the Cash illegally by Mount Royale Ventures, although he grants that the water is pretty much like well water up here – not deleterious – just cannot be legally discharged without proper permits.

OLD BUSINESS

Fence Report – Kurtis reports that the barbed wire fence around the Town Meadow is ½ gone now – all bunched up in piles, which he hopes to be able to get rid of at the Town Clean-up.  He intends to remove the steel posts and leave the old wooden ones.  If anyone is interested in the old steel posts, contact Kurtis at 303-550-1616.  Jim Smith moved that the steel posts be removed with the stipulation that Rick Schmidt be contacted to ascertain exactly where the property line is between his land and the Town Meadow.  Ayes have it.  Motion carried.

ADDENDUM: Kurtis needs some help with this project.  Please call him at 303-550-1616.

Historic Zoning Discussion - Cherry passed around the first draft of the proposed solar installation guidelines. This is their first draft developed from Breckenridge’s regulations:

The preservation of the historic character of Gold Hill is an important consideration when contemplating making any changes to your property including new construction, remodel or restoration.  Efforts to conserve energy in our homes are encouraged with emphasis placed on adequate insulation and caulking, replacing leaky windows and doors, and use of low energy appliances.  The installation of solar collectors is acceptable providing they have a minimal impact on the visual character of the town and are not detrimental to the nature of our historic district.  We would like homeowners to be mindful of the visibility of their proposed project and how it would affect the overall appearance of our community.

Recommended:

Place solar panels and devices on roofs to minimize visibility from public streets.

Set solar panels and devices back from roof edges and ridgeline.

Install all solar devices flush to roof surface and parallel to the ridgeline.

Use building integrated solar devices in design phase for new structures

Use solar panels and mounting equipment with non-reflective finishes, and paint any associated hardware or mechanical devices to match the color of the roof or flat black.

Locate non-roof mounted solar arrays in the yard area to minimize visibility from public streets and adjacent properties.

When possible, solar panels should be rectangular as opposed to irregularly shaped.

Not Recommended:

Altering the character of the structure such that the structure no longer meets community historic zoning recommendations

Acutely visible solar applications from public streets and adjacent properties.

Members of the HZ Committee are: Cherry, Amy Hardy, Bear Carlson, Steve Barnard, and Dan Gretz.  They will be meeting over the summer to work on these guidelines.

Kurtis stated that solar panels can be installed on corrugated roofs and he thinks it’s important to preserve them.

Welcome Wagon – Lisa reports that she has had computer difficulties and may have to put her computer down, but has been working on the Welcome Wagon project. She is planning on a pamphlet with assorted information: The Climb, Museum, School, Fire Department, Town Meeting, Historical Zoning, wildlife, as well as services available up here, and town celebrations like 4^th of July and the Bake Sale, etc.  She’s thinking of baskets with the pamphlet, a phone list, maybe coupons provided by local businesses and is open for suggestions or help with this.

NEW BUSINESS – Announcements

Town Clean up – Val reports that the Town Clean-up is scheduled for June 19 and she still needs a point person to run it that day.  The County will provide 3 roll-offs for trash, we can get one from Ecocycle for recycling metal, which we have to pay for, but it’s thought we get reimbursed for the metal?  Jim Smith moved that we appropriate funds up to $400 for a metal recycling roll-off from Ecocycle. Motion passed.  Tires?  Haven’t found an affordable option this year.  Hard to recycle stuff?  Only if we can get someone to run it.

This year we have a new option to get rid of dead cars.     Here is an announcement from Kurtis:

Greetings all! As you may, or may not know, the Town Cleanup this year is scheduled for Saturday, June 19. This year, we would like to include another way to help tidy up the area of Gold Hill. Kurtis Leverentz & Matthew Legg have offered to remove any unwanted vehicles in town. If you’re one of those who have “had plans” to fix your vehicle, but never got around to it, then you can definitely help! We would prefer to have the cars parked over on Boulder Street near where Matt’s trailer is usually parked. If the vehicles are undrivable, please let us know and we can load them on a trailer for removal in advance. Titles for as many vehicles as possible would be appreciated (this will make it much easier at the scrap yard).

Unfortunately, whatever money is raised will be going into payment to the scrap yards, delivery of the vehicles (fuel), and labor costs for Matt & Kurtis. If there are any questions regarding this, please feel free to contact either Kurtis at 303.550.1616 or Matt at 970-948-6896, both mobile phones.

Mail Delivery – Karen asked how mail delivery is going for everyone. She’s heard lots of complaining about miss-delivered mail and thinks we should make calls to the Post Office.

Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretery

Gold Hill Town Meeting Newsletter

Minutes of the February 8, 2010, Town Meeting

Next Meeting will be Monday, April 12, 2010, 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center

The Meeting was called to order by Chair Val Crist. Five people attended: Edie Eilender, Mark Steen, Jim Smith, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary, and Val.  Adriana Galue, Treasurer, attended long enough to give her Treasurer’s report to Val.

The minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report – Our account remains exactly the same as last meeting.  Adriana will meet with Dick Cole and review our records and make a full report at the April meeting.

CPI/Trails and Open Space – Gretchen reports that the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved our CPI Plan for inclusion into the Land Use Code at their hearing on Tuesday, February 2, 2010.  And so we have now reached our goal of establishing the wishes of our community and having them included in the County Comprehensive Plan and the Land Use Code to make sure we have more say over our own future when County action affects us.  Garry Sanfacon gave the staff report – presenting our CPI Plan and background on our planning process, including our education sessions, the survey, comments from community members, and the Planning Commission’s approval in December.  I thanked the Commissioners for giving us this opportunity as well as Garry and the entire Land Use Department who helped us so much.  We worked hard to be as open and inclusive as possible and the Commissioners all appreciated the process and what we came up with. We told them that some work continues – we have a Trails and Open Space Sub-committee meeting and the Historical Zoning Committee is working on new guidelines. Remember that the Comp Plan is a working document and we can add to our CPI Plan in the future if we decide to develop further goals and/or objectives.  Many thanks to everyone who contributed and participated!

The Trails and Open Space sub-committee of the CPI met January 11, 2010.  Seven people attended and we had a wide-ranging discussion.  For the report on this meeting see

http://goldhilltown.com/gold-hill-cpi-–-trails-subgoup/. Because we have so much potential County Open Space surrounding us (some acquired through Conservation Easements, some to be acquired from BLM through the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, some purchased outright), we have the prospect of future trails, etc, being developed by the County.  We want to be proactive about how that all happens. We encourage all interested people to attend our meetings.  Contact Karen Simmons or Gretchen Diefenderfer for further information.

Historical Zoning – no report.

Forest Management/CWPP – Val reports that the Forest Service has been burning West of Town as part of wildfire mitigation work.

Fire Department – Val reports that our Fire Department continues to train with Four Mile and Sunshine Departments on the second Saturday (hands-on training) and 4^th Thursday evenings (classroom training) of each month and would love anyone interested to attend.  Call Donal Maloney at 443-3928.

Weeds- Gretchen read the report from Susan Fernalld:

Susan reports that she manually weeded the large aspen seedling area before snow fell.  Snow has completely covered the seedling aspens for many weeks, deterring deer browsing and making supplemental watering unnecessary.  We won’t know until spring whether burrowing animals are doing any damage.

Meanwhile, the winter annual noxious weeds, such as cheatgrass, have sprouted beneath the snow.    In spring, before cheatgrass puts up its seed heads, will be the best time to pull it without also having to bag it.  See http://goldhilltown.com/how-to-control-gold-hills-noxious-weeds/

Historic Gold Hill – Edie reports that 2010 Calendar sales are going well.  They are a good record of memories of the past and present.  For the 2011 Calendar, we need drawings, poems, photos (old and new) wise sayings, ideas and participation! We will meet Feb. 20 and March 20 at Gretchen’s and invite all interested contributors.

Mining – Jim reports that Aurora Gold has put up $100,000 to buy into Global Minerals and plans to come up with the rest of the ½ million to be 60% owners of Global’s 50% share.  Mark Steen reports several disagreements with Global and Mount Royale Ventures concerning their operations.  He believes the Mined Land Reclamation Board will be holding hearings.  Bob Mason will keep us informed of any hearings scheduled.

Gold Hill School – no report

NEW BUSINESS

Announcements: Jim Smith has agreed to serve as Vice-Chair of the Town Council.  Thank you, Jim!

The Climb – Val reports The Climb Annual Passes are Available Now – REDUCED RATE! THE DEAL:
The Climb is offering Annual Passes at very reasonable rates, and, when we raise $7,000, Boulder County Transportation will give us $11,200! It is critical to ACT NOW!

PRICE: suggested $120 donation for each individual annual pass

We need 58 people to purchase a $120 donation level Annual Pass.

We will accept donations at lower levels, and suggest a $10 minimum in return for a pass. Donations over $120 are greatly appreciated!

The Climb has a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit status so donations are tax deductible.

HOW TO PURCHASE/DONATE:
Order now through email via pc@the-climb.com, purchase on The Climb bus, or at the Gold Hill Store. PayPal is accepted via email and the Gold Hill Store accepts VISA/Mastercard

RIDE THE CLIMB AND SAVE! 
The current federal calculation for vehicle mileage (gas, insurance and wear/tear) is $.55/mile. It is 10 miles to the edge of Boulder, which makes a minimum round trip cost you $11.00! Compare that to the cost of riding The Climb and watch your savings grow!

By helping meet the goal, you will help us give everyone in the Ward/Gold Hill/Four Mile route an annual pass.

Gold Hill Town Meeting Newsletter

Minutes of the Dec. 14, 2009 Town Meeting

Next Meeting is Monday, February 8, 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center

The Meeting was called to order by Chair Val Crist. Attending were: John  and Cherry Sand, Chad Julian and Chad Ricklefs (BCPOS), Morgon Haddad and Lorenzo Castano (students studying Pine Bark Beetles), Hector Case (sp?), Adriana Galue, Amy Hardy, Rich Oxley, Val Crist, Lisa McConnell, Edie Eilender, Jim Smith, Bob Mason, and Gretchen Diefenderfer. Val announced that Elon Bar-Evan has resigned as Secretary due to life stresses.  Gretchen has agreed to be Sec’y and we are now looking for someone who would like to be Vice-Chair.  Please let us know if you would be interested.  The main duty is to run the meeting in the absence of the Chair and help with other things that come up.

Minutes – were approved.

Boulder County Parks and Open Space – Chad Julian and Chad Ricklefs gave a report on the POS 10 year plan they are working to develop, principally concerning forest management and wildfire mitigation.  The lands covered are anything they have fee ownership over (not the BLM lands that are still being worked out and will probably take several more years).  They do have relationships with CSFS and so the county can do some work now, i.e., the mitigation work across from the Mill.  They intend to base their management on scientific consensus, and are developing goals, objectives and standards and are looking for what is most important to us.  See the POS website: http://www.bouldercounty.org/openspace/resources/index.htm .  For instance, one goal is that BCPOS values and provides for public input.  One objective is to identify and develop communication tools, and one standard is to hire people like Ryan Ludlow, who presented a program to Gold Hill on the Beetle epidemic, to educate and inform county residents.

They are conducting several smaller meetings and then will have some larger, public meetings, rewrite, then present their plan to the Parks and Open Space Committee for approval, and then to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for adoption into the Land Use Plan sometime in the Spring.

They have had meetings with Professor Thomas Veblen, Director of the Biogeography Lab of the Geography Department at C.U. The Biogeography Lab supports research in the areas of forest dynamics, disturbance ecology and dendroecology.  He does feel that global warming is having an influence.  Pine Bark Beetles, Spruce Bark Beetles, and White Pine Blister Rust effects have been observed on a continent wide scale as never before and will mean most likely more frequent fire cycles.

Treasurer’s Report – Adriana reports that our balance is now $6253.14, with income of $500 from John Sand and the Sesquicentennial Committee paying back the advance, $250 from Leslie Finn to the Cemetery Fund, $1600.45 from the Bake and Treasure Sale, and $37.50 written to Jennie Rice.  She will get with Dick Cole to find out about the books and the balances in the various funds.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Community Planning Initiative – Gretchen reports that on Nov.18, we presented our Townsite Plan to the Planning Commission for preliminary consideration, and on Dec. 16 for final inclusion in the County Comprehensive Plan, and then, on Feb. 2, at 2:00 p.m. we will go to the BOCC. Update since the GHTM: As a reminder, the Planning Commission is responsible for the Comprehensive Plan (they adopted the Gold Hill Townsite Plan into the Comprehensive Plan on Dec. 16) and the Board is responsible for the Land Use Code. These are public hearings.

The next CPI meeting is Monday, January 11, 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center to address trails and open space issues.

Historical Zoning – Cherry reports that there are 5 members on the Board: Amy Hardy, Bear Carlson, Dan Gretz, Steve Barnard and herself. They are currently working on drafting a set of guidelines addressing solar installation issues specific to the Gold Hill Historic district.  These will be presented to the Town for approval at a later Historic Zoning meeting. The Steinberg/Wakefield plan for solar panels installed on the roof of their barn was approved and is installed.  Elon’s and Mason’s solar projects that were presented at the August meeting are on hold at this time.

Forest Management/CWPP – Edie suggests that we need to keep up on Parks and Open Space plans.

Val reports that the CWPP South Project continues as weather permits.  Lots of biomass is being pulled out.

Fire Department – Val reports that they have outdoor/hands on training on the 2^nd Saturdays of the month and classroom/indoor training on the 4^th Thursdays.  Volunteers are welcome!

Weed Management – Cherry reports that they gathered at Susan Fernalld’s house and sorted seeds gathered from around here.  They want to package them for sale to support weed management projects.

Historic Gold Hill – Edie brought 2010 Gold Hill calendars for sale.  They support the Museum and are available from her and the Gold Hill Store.  Buy lots!  The Museum is open by appointment only in the winter.

Be thinking about the calendar for 2011.  We need committee members, photos, drawings, poems, and ideas!  The Museum Committee will probably be organizing the next calendar, since it is the Museum that benefits.

Mining – Bob has found on Marketwire ( on the internet) that Aurora Gold Corp. is planning on ponying up $ (German/Swiss $ this time vs. Canadian) to re-open the Mill.  They have presented an exceedingly hopeful view of things and propose to get moving in March 2010, assuming $400,000 comes in.   They say they have their permits in order.

He also reports that as of now the tailings pond is full and, as far as the present management’s experimental underground injection of tailings is concerned, they got EPA permission, but not MLRB, which they will need if this is undertaken in any measure.  He reports that Mark Steen is objecting to this plan.

Jim Smith reports that every major mine does this and mentioned Stillwater (a big mine) which puts stuff back in when the ore (lead, zinc, gold, silver) is extracted.  It’s pretty inert and is becoming the industry standard.  Bob wants to be sure they are not polluting and will be keeping an eye on it all.  Jim says that they have had a history of cleaning up and if they can reclaim the workings by putting the inert sands back in, it’s a good solution.  He also said that, if it goes much longer without a certain amount of work, they will have to start the reclamation process.

Trails – no report

Gold Hill School – They had their fundraiser and send a big thank you to the community for the support.  It was brought up that we would love a more complete report and to have a representative from the school come to the Town Meetings to let us know what is going on.

OLD BUSINESS

Hisorical Zoning – Cherry reports that a couple of years ago an effort was made to re-write the bylaws.  They got almost done, after many meetings, and then the idea was shot down.  Now Bear and John have suggested that they take the past work (the charette prepared by the County, the M&M girls (students) architectural study, etc.) and try to meld it all together and develop design guidelines.  Denise Grimm and Gary Sanfacon from County Land Use are supportive and will provide any assistance they need.

The present HZ procedure is that applicants bring their plans to the HZ Committee.  If the plans are small and will have little impact, the HZ Committee approves them.  If it is a big project, it goes to a HZ community meeting and then to the County for final approval.  The HZ is advisory only.  However, if an applicant goes directly to the County for a permit application, Denise has only 2 weeks to process it, making it difficult for the HZ Committee to call a meeting and evaluate the plans properly.  Denise is proposing to put into County regulations that if she or the Building Department receives an application, they will refer it to the HZ committee first.

Amy Hardy added a positive tone by saying that it’s a good thing for people with plans to come to the HZ Committee for their help and advice so we can preserve the character of Gold Hill.

Welcome to Gold Hill Pamphlet – We discussed the idea of putting together a pamphlet of information and ideas to give to newcomers to Gold Hill.  Cherry moved that the Member at Large (Lisa McConnell, presently) be designated to work on this project as she has expressed interest previously.

Resignation – Elon has resigned from the Council.  According to the bylaws, the town board should appoint someone to replace him within 2 weeks.  We will do our best.  Bob Mason said he would do it if no one else is interested, but is not really enthusiastic.  How about it?

Agenda items – Val reports that the agenda always includes the committee reports. For new items to add to the agenda, please get in touch with her in advance.

OTHER NEWS –

Correction – in the last town news, I mistyped the url for the Laud Use Department Townsite Planning info – here is the correct one  http://www.bouldercounty.org/lu/townsite_planning/GoldHill.htm

Guardrail – Here is an email that George Gerstle sent to me before the last Town Meeting – I hadn’t seen it, so I failed to bring it.

Hello All:

I am George Gerstle, Transportation Director for the County.

ggerstle@bouldercounty.org

I am writing to thank you for letting us know of your concerns regarding the potential impact on the rural character, and wonderful view, of installation of guardrail along a portion of the Shelf Road.

We have received a variety of responses from Gold Hill residents, expressing both support for installation, as well as concern about the impact, of shiny guard rail on the rural character of the road, and the potential that the road might be narrowed by the guard rail.

We are installing the guardrail to address safety concerns that exist, particularly during major snowstorms. Over the years we have had a number of close calls (and some actual events) where people, including our snowplow drivers, have (at least partially) gone off the road during snowstorms. However, we also want to make sure that we are not unnecessarily eroding the wonderful scenic character of the road or entrance to Gold Hill.

In response to the concerns we’ve heard, we will not be installing shiny steel guardrail, but rather oxidized (ie pre-rusted) guardrail at a somewhat greater cost, that will not be as visually intrusive. We will be installing the guard rail off the current driven way, so the road will not be narrower.

So, again, thanks for letting us know your thoughts, and I hope you have a wonderful winter season.

George

Emails – If you are not on our email list to receive town news and the Newsletter and want to be, send requests to elon01@gmail.com or get in touch with Val Crist.

Gold Hill Town Meeting Newsletter

Minutes of the Oct. 12, 2009 Town Meeting

Next Meeting is Monday, December 14, 2009, 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center

Attendance – Chair Val Crist, vice-chair Gretchen  Diefenderfer and member at large Lisa McConnell were the officers present, along with Edie Eilender, Karen Simmons, John Sand, Richard Roth, Bear Carlson, Heidi Kessler, Marie Brookhart, Barbara Lawlor, Richard Oxley and Jim Smith.

Minutes – Val opened the meeting by approving the minutes of the last meeting, with the exception of the revised CWPP report from the August meeting, which will be read for approval at our December meeting.

Treasurer’s Report – There was no treasurer’s report, but Lisa McConnell noted that the Treasure and Bake Sale brought in $1504 and there was a $250 donation to the cemetery fund.

CPI – Gretchen gave the Community Planning Initiative report, saying that the committee had solidified the final vision and it is available on the web site (http://goldhilltown.com/). The next step is to take it to the County to get the plan adopted into the comprehensive plan. It will have to go through the Boulder County Planning Commission and public hearings. Gretchen said the committee didn’t seem to spend much energy looking into any major changes in the land use code.

Garry Sanfacon is still working with the historic zoning subcommittee. Gretchen said that schedule (tentatively Nov. 18 – we will know by Oct. 28) for the Planning Commission hearing will be mailed to property owners, and the County Commissioner meeting will be scheduled at the PC meeting.

Historic Zoning – John and Bear said there have been a few applications for approval of solar energy systems. One of them was for panels on a Charles Steinberg’s, which would be small, dark and unobtrusive. The committee agreed to approve the application.

One of the issues about the solar applications is that the town has no guiding principles for rejection or approval and they are discussing each application case by case.

Bear said they are in favor of sustainability, but there had been a consensus that Bob Mason’s proposed solar system was too big and he should could come up with a less obtrusive plan. His system would face Main Street and is high and long.

Another application for a solar system on Dan Gretz’s shed was approved.  When asked when the next historic zoning meeting would be, Gretchen observed that the committee meets when it needs to. The newly elected members include Cherry Sand, Bear Carlson, Steve Barnard, Amy Hardy and Dan Gretz.

Resident and solar power guy, Richard Roth explained that many people design solar systems that are larger than necessary. He said with a photovoltaic system, there is little if any benefit gained in putting the panels at a steep angle. He says a 40º angle captures most of the energy, but if one were to decrease the angle to 25º, the panels would still get 96.7 percent of the energy. More information on the subject can be found on PV Watts.com

It was agreed that this was important information for homeowners to know. Roth also said that more energy is captured in the summer than is lost at a more shallow angle in the winter.

This is important information when considering the Mason’s application because the back, facing north would be 19 feet from the base of the shed. “It will look like a billboard.” This information could help the Mason’s come up with an acceptable design.

Fire Department – Val reported that the fire department meets on the fourth Thursday and second Saturday of the month. Val said the CWPP is finishing their fire mitigation work on the South Project and that the Four Mile Mitigation Crew is looking for help.

Weeds – Gretchen said that although there was no weed committee report, Susan Fernalld plans to give a master gardener type of class in the spring, hoping more people will get involved in learning about invasive weeds in and native plants near  Gold Hill.

Historic Gold Hill – Edie reported that the museum is closed for the winter, but is open by appointment, and that the new Calendar, which benefits the Museum, is on sale for $10.  Jim Smith said he has cut wooden discs to put cards with information on the historic buildings in Gold Hill.

Mining – Jim Smith said the Mill and Mine operation is still suspended, that the owners are looking for funding to reopen. Jim said that regulatory agencies, including the EPA, Division of Mines, and Mined Land Reclamation, are satisfied that no violations have occurred and that former information that there had been violations is not correct.

Town Email – Val reported that the old town email, the one that started by the fire department, is no longer the town email.   There is a new, easy to use website and email list. Please sign up with Elon (elon@continualenergy.com) if you’re not on the email list currently.

Bake & Treasure Sale – Lisa McConnell and the organizers of the Bake and Treasure Sale want to thank all of those who helped make the fundraiser a success. There were great deals, wonderful baked goods, awesome art vendors and a beautiful day. A Special ‘Thank You’ to the volunteers (even teenagers this year) and to Elon for all his efforts on the sale and as our Outgoing Member-at-Large.

There were many leftover items and it took a lot of work to take care of them. It was suggested that next year the big items not sold should be picked up by those who brought them. If anyone has any feedback on the sale or any suggestions for next year, please send them to Lisa McConnell at McConnEnt@aol.com.

The Climb – The Climb fundraiser did well, in spite of the freezing weather. There was a cover charge to add to the shuttle’s funding, a silent auction, two bands, great food and barbecue. The Climb wants to thank all who came, supported, and continue to ride and support The-Climb.

Sunshine Paving – After the Sunshine Paving hearing with the Boulder County Commissioners, they decided not to pave any more of Sunshine, mainly to protect the rural character of the area.

Sesquicentennial – John reported that there are still sesquicentennial mugs and     t-shirts available for purchase.

CPI – Karen Simmons says that there wasn’t much response to the info booth or the email asking for input on the CPI Mission and Vision Statement. She said there is a large open space transaction being discussed concerning property northeast of town and thinks the town should become proactive about any possible development in open space. She said trails could be built that could need parking lots and bathrooms and we don’t want to have to react to something we don’t want. We don’t want to be in a reactive mode when it will be harder to be successful.      Karen suggested forming a subcommittee of the CPI to stay on top of open space action and collect relevant information. She said people having expertise in this area need to come forward.

Gretchen agreed that a group should create a management plan and that she will volunteer.

John Sand suggested not waiting for people to volunteer, but to go out and recruit those with a known interest in trails and open space.

Edie Eilender volunteered to be on the subcommittee.

The next CPI meeting is scheduled for January 4^th, 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center.  Note! This has since been changed to Jan. 11.

School – The group was reminded that there would be a school fundraiser at the Gold Hill Inn on Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. Mary Russell will be performing and items are needed for the silent auction.

Meeting Time – Val suggested taking a vote on whether or not to change the time of the town meeting to 7 p.m. The change in time was not approved. Meetings will continue to start at 7:30. The next meeting is on Monday, December 14, 2009 at the Community Center (firebarn) at 7:30 pm.

New Business - Val Crist requested that reports be given orally and written down to pass onto our secretary at the meeting’s end to reduce errors in reporting.

Notes were graciously taken by Barbara Lawlor in Elon’s absence and edited by Val, Lisa, and Gretchen.

The most interesting parts are included under section F. i. Preserve Rural Roads, ii Minimize and Mitigate Impacts, and iii. Prohibit Improvements with Unacceptable Impacts.  Prohibit improvements to existing new driveways or roads, which may include sections on public and/or private lands, that cause unacceptable impacts to the natural environment, including scenic views and rural character (underlining mine)…..

I was unaware of this scheduled hearing, but the Sunshine Canyon pro-paving contingent, now self titled “The Sunshine Clean Air Committee” were there to make presentations opposed to this element of the draft, highly critical of the BOCC decision not to pave the additional 1.5 miles of Sunshine Canyon, stating “It is not good governance to saddle future County Commissioners with fuzzy subjective decision criteria that are in stark contrast to the Best Practices accepted by most counties in Colorado and the rest of the country….”

Several people spoke to separate sections of the draft proposal and Bret Gibson, Fourmile Fire Chief, spoke for the Boulder County Firefighters in support of keeping access open for emergency response and not vacating any public right-of-ways in ways that would obstruct access for emergency equipment.

And, I, although totally unprepared, felt compelled to respond to the Sunshine Pro-pavers by saying that we really appreciate that the BOCCs took our rural character into account, that we do see those unpaved miles of Sunshine as our barrier against the city sensibilities creeping up toward us, and that we in Gold Hill support fugitive dust control, but we feel there are better solutions than paving.

George Gerstle, County Transportation Department, also responded by reiterating that the BOCCs made their decision not to pave based on all the extensive testimony and that the document being considered today does take their deliberations into consideration.

I have since gone to the County website and joined the listserv so that we will hear of meetings like this and be prepared to respond.

The next Planning Commission hearing for this Draft BCCP Transportation Element is scheduled on December 16, 6:45, just before our next CPI hearing and I will attend both.

Gretchen Diefenderfer

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the Town Meeting – 08-10-09

Next Gold Hill Town Meeting – Monday, October 12^th 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center (firebarn).

The meeting was attended by David Wilson, Stefanie Wilson, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Susan Fernalld, John Sand, Richard Oxley, Marilyn Soby, David Rice, Carolyn Rice, Henry Rice, Michael Albes, Adriana Galue, Amy Hardy, Donal Maloney, Val Crist, Emily Rose, Dick Cole, Max Yeager, Debra Yeager, Mary Ryan, Heidi Kessler, Richard Roth, Edie Eilender, Cherry Sand, Jennie Rice, Elon Bar-Evan, Kaya Darnell, Bob Mason, Tom Huth, and Gary Siemer.

Gretchen Diefenderfer has served as Secretary for many years, as has Dick Cole served as Treasurer.  The town recognizes their excellent service and their efforts.  Jennie Rice was recognized for excellent service for 4 years of services as town chair, and the meeting cheered her.

Elections

The following positions have been filled on the Gold Hill Town Meeting Board:

Chair: Val Crist

Vice Chair: Gretchen

Treasurer: Adriana Galue

Secretary: Elon Bar-Evan

Member-At-Large: Lisa McConnell, accepted on her behalf by Jennie Rice

Treasurers Report

Activity

4/13/09 – Checking Balance $5304.57

5/10/09 – Check 1133, $25.38, to repay Elon Bar-Evan for Website expense (General Fund)

5/10/09 – Check 1134, $0.00, Void

5/28/09 – Electronic withdrawal, $30.00, Safe Deposit Box Fee (General Fund)

6/30/09 – Deposit, $71.00, Gold Hill Clean Up Donations (General Fund)

7/27/09 – Check 1135, $500.00, to repay Elon Bar-Evan for Website expense (General Fund)

Total $4,820.19.

Account Breakdown –

General Fund: $1927.54                   Cemetery: $2612.21

Weed Management: $80.81              Forest Management: $75.22

Trails: $31.29                                              Long Range Planning: $82.00

Historic Zoning: $11.12

CPI (Community Planning Initiative)

• The minutes have been sent out.
• They have compiled the results of the town CPI questionnaires that have been returned.
• The next meeting is on September 14th, to review the mission statement, and revise the presentation for the Bake and Treasure (formerly Rummage) Sale.

Historic Zoning

• Elections have occurred.
• The Historic minutes have been sent out separately.
• There are three plans being presented for solar installations.  Please see the Historic Zoning Minutes for details.
• The Historic Zoning board performs an important function for the town, because it acts as an intermediary for the town.  It is strictly advisory for any kind of building exterior changes, to keep these changes within some kind of boundary to keep the town historic.  Historic Zoning is not on currently GH Web site.

Fire Dept

They have had training on pumps (learned to pump on trucks from the Sunshine and Four Mile Depts. also).  They have had a few calls, and they were handled very well.  The Gold Hill Fire Department received accolades for their response on medical and fire calls.  They responded to the Empty Nest Fire.

Forest Management

• Edie cautioned about woodcutting right now because of Pine Beetles.
• Jennie reported that work on the Gold Hill South project is stopped until mid September because of Pine Beetles.  Because of this delay, there is a change to building slash piles, then burning them before next spring.  Ponderosa are being left in slash piles as well.  The cost went from $1800/acre to $2600/acre because of the cost to remove slash and density of the forest.  There have been private donations from the town in the amount of $2500 to cover the extra cost.  We still need to thin ponderosa in the town meadow and the shaded field break.
• Kris reported we have applied for the chipping grant and that we are a high priority project.  The grant is for $4000 for each community project.  Town residents can do mitigation work, and you will get 40% of your cost paid back to you.  You need a licensed contractor to do the work, and you need to keep track of the amount of slash they chip.  The grant will pay fees and mileage to haul it away.  This starts in mid September and receipts need to be in by mid November for reimbursement.  This will cover whole hot trees (Pine Beetle infested).  These will be accepted in the fall.  The grant covers any bio mass sent to the county and is for increasing defensible space fire breaks.

Weed Management

• Susan asked for advice for the weed page on the Gold Hill web site.  There is currently information on:

o      Noxious weeds, and how and to control them

o      Who to contact if you have questions.

o      Re-vegetating with native grasses after controlling weeds or after construction

• If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Susan via email (sfernalld@msn.com) or phone (303-447-0634)
• The aspens planted by the town above Hill St. are doing well.
• Getting rid of Milk Thistle.  Some people put them in the road and passing cars disintegrate them.

Historic Gold Hill,

• Museum Hours: Sept 7^th is the last day with regular hours for the season (after that it is by appointment only)
• The Museum had a very successful season with the Sesquicentennial activities.
• Calendar

o      The calendar is a primary source of funding for the Museum

o      The committee (Cherry, Edie, and Gretchen) has been working on it, but more help is needed. Please contact Gretchen if you want to lend some effort to producing the calendar.  Being involved in creating the calendar is a great way to get to know the history and the flavor of the town!

o      2009 calendars are still available at the Museum, the Gold Hill Inn, and at the Gold Hill General Store.

o      For the 2010 calendar, please send photos, stories and poems to Gretchen Diefenderfer (gretchend@mac.com).  They want to complete the calendar for the September 19th Bake and Treasure sale.  Photos can be Black & White or Color (they get turned into black & white for printing)

Mining Report

• Bob Mason reported that he believes there are issues with GH Mill and Cash mine.

o      The mine has been shut for several months – with no formal activity.

o      Before the shut down, they allegedly violated the law and deposited tailings in places they weren’t supposed to, specifically the interior of Cash mine.  This could make the tailing accessible to ground water.

o      Mine Land people are aware of these allegations, and are doing due diligence to establish the facts.  They are waiting from Mr. Hurd for a response, but no notice of violation has been sent yet.

o      Mark Steen – the owner of the mine, is also unhappy because he thinks this will make future mining more difficult. Mr. Steen believes violations were caused by those who leased the mine and mill from Mr. Steen.

o      Bob Mason is researching agents used in mill (they were reported to be benign), but Bob said isopropyl xanthate is being used to process ore in the mill, goes out to the mill pond, and over time is acted upon by sunlight and air to break down and no longer remain harmful, but if you inject the materials underground, there is no sunlight and very little oxygen.  Then it may be toxic – and not wanted in or near ground water.

o      They have a permit for these chemicals possibly based on false filings.  Mr. Mason is looking into notifying the authorities as such.

o      Black Rock Resources is looking at providing funding for operations at the mind.  Bob expressed the opinion that BRR is a shell corporation – with no resources and no bank account.  They have an agreement with the present operators to fund $100K, but with no indication as to where this money will come from. Bob found articles that companies involved in low quality exploration fit the following criteria:

• Registered in NV, run out of Vancouver
• Officers have no prior mining experience
• No assets except money raised from selling seed shares
• Black Rock matches these criteria, so Bob is suspicious that something is not above board, and he feels that representation from this company needs to be viewed with extreme skepticism, and we need to hold them accountable.

o      Bob reported that they asked for a variance to import material from the Cross Mine, but that is illegal.

o      Bob proposed an item for new business – for the town to formally endorse him as official Chairmen of the committee on Mining and Environment.

o      Gretchen again expressed her opinion that Mount Royale Ventures has been a good neighbor to them, cleaned up a lot of the old messes from previous operations, been very open about operations including conducting tours, won awards for safety and environmental protection, and she questions whether all these allegations are true, but the MLRD will establish the facts.

o      Please see addendum at end of newsletter for email to Gretchen from Matt Collins, which in addresses many of Bob’s concerns.

Trails - No report

GH School

• Starts on Thursday 20^th
• 21-24 kids total.

Sesquicentennial planning

• Had 4 highly successful events through August 10^th.
• Last event was Saturday August 15th.  It was the 2^nd walking tour, with a preacher to impersonate Jacob Adriance, who preached on August 15^th, 1859, on horseback, giving a sermon by Isaiah.  There was another anvil shoot at 12:00, which was followed by the Ice cream social at the school at 12:00.  At 1:30 Donlyn Arbuthnot spoke (in costume and in character) about her great grandmother Frannie Carson, and Frannie’s life here 150 years ago.
• New coffee cups are on order (we sold out of the 144 originally ordered).  72 more are coming in.  The price is $25 for 4 cups, plus one travel mug.
• The town lent $500 to the Sesquicentennial.  This is a loan to be paid back by end of August.
• August 15^th, Gold Hill movie at Elon’s house.  Maggie provided DVD from an old VHS, which was copied from Reel-to-Reel from the 1970’s Gold Hill Production of “The Little Flower Of Gold Hill”.  This was a silent movie melodrama.  Characters from the original cast were speaking lines.  Gretchen, Maggie, Roger Bresnik were from the original cast.  Max and Deb Yeager, and Dave Brigham filled in the remainder of the cast.

Town Website

• Website is mostly up and functioning.
• Jennie and Elon to look into slow web speed

Spring Cleanup

• The town earned $71.
• The $350 allocated to the cleanup was not used.

Action Items

• Jennie moved to Put $1000 into CWPP from GHTM General Fund

o      Project covered by grant from the Colorado State Forest Services.

o      Boulder County is putting in $12,000.

o      This money doesn’t need matching funds.

o      VOTE: Motion carries unopposed

• Jennie moved that Bob be chair of mining committee

o      Tom Huth seconded motion

o      Friendly amendment that more people join committee

o      VOTE: Motion carries unopposed

• Bake and Treasure (Rummage) Sale

o      Date is Saturday September 19^th.  The location will most likely be at the school.

o      Please contact Elon Bar-Evan, Rebecca Gretz, Gretchen, or Lisa McConnell for information on having a booth, or what to do with your donations of items to sell at the sale.

• Dick Cole about GHTM insurance issue.  We had to increase our liability limits, but at no cost to the town.  It covers us for meetings. Out liability coverage is related to our operations – whatever that might be.

Living with wildlife

• Bears, by mid-August, start feeding during the day, not just at night.
• They are attracted by compost and bird feeders during the day.
• They don’t like the smell of ammonia, so please wash trash cans and shed doors with ammonia (their noses are very sensitive)
• The school dumpster was tipped by bear trying to get trash.  Unauthorized people putting trash in this dumpster are endangering the children by attracting bears and other wildlife. Please don’t put trash in the school dumpster.

Mining addendum in regards to Matt Collins’ response

From: Matt Collins <goldhillmines@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Aug 1, 2009 at 11:58 AM

Subject: Cash Mine
To: info@cccmma.com

To the distinguished members of the Clear Creek County Metal Mining Association (CCCMMA)

As the former General Manager of the Front Range Gold Project, It has come to my attention that the CCCMMA has recently published information in its newsletter regarding the Cash & Who Do Mines and Gold Hill Mill in Boulder County, Colorado.  While the information was clearly attributed to another “news” organization, the information was very inaccurate and I would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight.

The Cash & Who Do Mines and Gold Hill Mill are operated by Mount Royale Ventures, LLC (MRV) a wholly owned subsidiary of Global Minerals Ltd. of Vancouver, BC (Global).  In September of 2008, immediately following the catastrophic decline of the world financial markets, Global Minerals chose to suspend MRV’s operations.  This was most unfortunate, as the operations – after four years of development, exploration and production – were on target for self-sustainability within three months of that decision.  Regardless, in light of the unavailability of operating capital, the mining and processing of gold and silver ore was halted to await better financial conditions.  At that point, MRV had been producing gold and silver concentrates for nearly two years and was the only fully operating underground gold mine in Colorado.

Rumors regarding the lack of compliance of the operation with either Boulder County, the State of Colorado and/or the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations are wholly unfounded, inaccurate and inappropriate, and it is unfortunate that no one has bothered to contact any of the many individuals involved with the operation, as most are still in the area and easily reachable. Specific allegations that the tailings impoundment had breached or over-topped, and any other such nonsense are reprehensible and it is very disappointing that any of our fellow miners and the CCCMMA would further those ridiculous rumors.

It should be noted that MRV was the recipient of many awards on the State and Federal levels for environmental protection, reclamation and for safety.  These include: 2006 – Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Hardrock Reclamation Award; 2007 Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, Colorado Mine Health & Safety Small Underground Metal Mine Award;  2005 Mine Safety and Health Administration, Sentinels of Safety, Small Underground Metal Mine 1st Runner Up Award; 2006-2008 Colorado Mining Association, Pollution Prevention Program, Senior Participant with Special Recognition, etc.  This is hardly a track record of an organization at odds with environmental or safety compliance.  Rather, those that know the individuals involved and the accomplishments of MRV will certainly attest to a level of professionalism rarely seen in small mines and very much in accordance with the level of leadership seen at most major mining operations.

The care and effort of all of the employees at the Cash Mine and Gold Hill Mill should be applauded and recognized as a significant accomplishment in mining in Colorado.

Speaking on behalf of many of the former employees of MRV, we all wish the best for MRV and Global in these difficult economic times.  We are all confident that the hard work of all of the miners at the Cash Mine will not be left unrecognized and that Global will again mine gold and silver from Gold Hill, Colorado in the near future.

Best regards to all of our fellow metal miners!

Matt Collins
Manager – Front Range Gold Project
Mount Royale Ventures, LLC
9145 Sunshine Canyon Dr.
Boulder, CO 80302
Ph: (720)565-3448
Fax: (720)565-3497

Minutes submitted by Elon Bar-Evan

303-317-3903 (Direct) / 303-817-4401 (Mobile)
elon@continualenergy.com

Gold Hill Town Meeting Newsletter

Minutes of the June 8, 2009 Town Meeting

Next Meeting: Elections! Monday, August 10, 2009 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center

Next Community Planning Initiative Meeting: Monday, July 13, 2009, 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center

The meeting was called to order by Chair Jennie Rice. Nineteen people attended: Dave Rice, Rebecca Gretz, Karen Simmons, Carol & Roger Garnett, Dave Noredgren, Susan Fernalld, Jim Daus of Parks and Open Space, John & Cherry Sand, Jim Smith, Jennie Rice, Edie Eilender, Mike Walker, Bear Carlson, Mary Ryan, Elon Bar-Evan, Kris Gibson, and Gretchen Diefenderfer.

Minutes – The April 13 minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report – no report as Dick was not present.

Boulder County Open Space Land Sale in Gold Hill – Jim Daus of Parks and Open Space (www.BoulderCountyOpenSpace.org 303-6787-6264) presented the proposal and answered questions about rules and regs concerning Open Space. The land in question is ~ 6.5acre triangular shaped parcel located between Nordgren’s (they already have an easement across it for their driveway) and the Colorado Mountain Ranch, right up the road west of town. The County is notifying us as a neighbor. The Official notification process will happen a few months from now and any further objections or comments can be made by anyone concerned. They want to get rid of the parcel because it is too small for them to deal with. As adjacent landowners, Dave Nordgren and Mike Walker have proposed buying this parcel and splitting it between them. They will have to pay market value ($30,000 negotiated, so far). As open space it will be subject to conservation easement and will require that the properties be merged with those of the new owners. No objections were raised at this meeting. If the town has an interest, we would have time to sit down with Dave Nordgren and Mike Walker and hammer out an agreement. Conservation easements can be amended, but it sounds like the County doesn’t like to.

Community Planning Initiative (CPI) – We met on Monday, June 1 and continued work on the Vision Statement, incorporating suggestions people submitted. We decided that it is now time to send the latest draft out to everyone in the suggested area (the Town Meeting boundaries) along with a map for everyone’s suggestions and comments. Our plan is then to submit the final draft to the County for inclusion in the County Comprehensive Plan in order to guide county planners, the public, and landowners in making future land use decisions that will take into account our collective vision. The County has mailed these out and included a stamped envelope, so please give us your input!

If you do not receive this latest draft, please contact Gretchen Diefenderfer, 442-3847 or gretchend@mac.com and I will get you one. Our next meeting is Monday, July 13, 2009, 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center. Please, y’all come!

Historical Zoning – Cherry reported that they have received a preliminary plan from Bob Mason regarding a bank of solar collectors to be mounted on his sheds. Elon as well as Dan Gretz are also beginning to make plans for solar collectors. The HZ committee is looking at the best ways to make solar collectors compatible with their guidelines. The CPI is also having this discussion and the County is also working on new rules.

Forest Management – Edie reports that she hates the sound of chain saws at this time of year because of her fears about the Pine Bark Beetle. She lost 6 trees in the 70’s and her neighbor lost 4 after one was hit by lightening and the beetles arrived the next day attracted by the sap. She stressed that it’s a matter of timing.

CWPP – Jennie reports that, if the green wood is going to be left in the forest, cutting needs to stop by June 15 in order for it to dry enough not to attract the beetles. The flight mainly begins in mid July. On our project, all the green wood is going to be removed, so we are able to cut until late June. Right now they are about ½ way done, intend to be stop by June 25, and will restart in the fall. Our project consists of three pieces: thinning the forest, shaded fuel breaks (10-12’ spacing between trees), and patch cuts (like mini-clear cuts of the Lodgepole leaving other species and planting baby Aspen) up near the Few’s and Hugh Moore’s. There were some 135 year old Lodgepole that were only 5” in diameter because they were so crowded. Bordering the Town Meadow, they will do some thinning and low limbing to restore the health of the Ponderosa.

The USFS is planning a prescribed burn out by the Switzerland Trail and because of the potential risk has allocated money to mitigate the wildfire danger around Gold Hill. Boulder County has also donated $12,000 and the Town has donated previously and will need to donate more in the future. This work has turned out to be more expensive than first estimated, but it’s a matter of public safety. The Four Mile Fire Mitigation Crew is doing the cuttting.

Weed Management – Susan reports that it’s weed season and she is working on the weed page for the town website.

Historic Gold Hill – Edie reports that because it’s our sesquicentennial year there are a lot of events scheduled and new displays at the Museum.

We still need materials for the Calendar, which benefits the museum. We’re looking for old and new photos, poems, drawings, ideas, and anyone who would like to be on the committee.

Jim reports that Marge McLellan, who has the only landmarked building in Gold Hill (the cabin just West of the Red Store), is attempting to do an historic restoration. She will have to raise the building to put a foundation under it. Mud has flowed in over the years and has filled the space right under the floor.

Mining, Trails, and the Gold Hill School – no reports.

Sesquicentennial – John reports – Gold Hill’s Sesquicentennial events kicked off over the Memorial Day weekend with a fanfare and a birthday cake celebrating our 150 years. The Gold Hill Museum has many new exhibits covering the history of Gold Hill on many different topics. Many people were attracted to the Museum to see these, plus purchase commemorative items such as t-shirts, coffee mugs, buttons, and magnets. Especially popular were the homemade Cornish pasties, the staple of miners’ lunch pails.

- June 20: Miner’s Day. From 11 AM to 3 PM the Museum will be open, plus there will be demonstrations of hard rock hand drilling and blacksmithing, exhibits of old mining equipment, experts to discuss the geology of gold, plus sales of all the commemorative items, including pasties.

- July 18: Walking tours of Historic Gold Hill, from noon to 3 PM. Visitors will use pamphlets to learn the history of Gold Hill, as they stroll through the town and visit cabins and houses that reflect the 150 years of the town. Towns people in period costumes will answer questions and guide visitors around the town. The Museum will be open with its displays and the commemorative items for sale, including Cornish pasties.

August 15: A repeat of the July walking tours and open Museum and cabins, plus two special events:

- at 11 AM, Rev. George Brunner, of the Trinity Methodist Church in Denver, will ride into town and deliver a sermon at the Museum. This commemorates Rev. Jacob Adriance who did the same as a circuit rider from that church in 1859 and 1860.

- at 1:30 PM, Donlyn Arbuthnot will portray one of her ancestors, who was a miner in Gold Hill in the early days, at the Gold Hill School.

Town Website – Elon reports the website is goldhilltown.com, and trainings are being held for those who are willing to own specific pages. Angela Bowman is working with us to help put it all together and it looks wonderful so far.

OLD BUSINESS

Aspen Planting – Susan read the following:

Thanks to 28 people who turned out with their shovels June 6 to plant 90 aspen trees on town property after fire mitigation work west of the town meadow. Mary Ryan, Amy Schreiber, Jennie and Henry Rice, Cherry and John Sand, Joan and Arthur Few, Maggie Simms and David Brigham, Lisa and Darrel McConnell with Molly, John Rankin, Mike Petrillo, Poppy Copeland and Bear Carlson, Elon Bar-Evan and family, Jane Maslanka, Martha Knapp, Jan Eaton, Val Crist, Gretchen Diefenderfer, and Edie Eilender stepped up to benefit the forest and help protect Gold Hill from fire. Thanks to Ken Fernalld who drove the water tank up the patch cut’s slash-strewn slope to water the new seedlings and to Hugh Moore who provided access to the patch cut area. Watch for Barb Lawlor’s article on the event in The Mountain Ear.

Town Clean-up – Becky and Dan have volunteered to manage the clean-up, which is scheduled for June 20. They will make flyers and signs and everything is on track.

Bike Race Bake Sale – Karen reports that the mini-bake sale with Gatorade, hot chocolate, and bananas (the cookies not so much) was a big hit although the organizer had failed to let people know to bring money. They did bring in $80.00. The following day, she took the leftovers to the triathlon downtown and made another $40.00.

ACTION ITEMS –

The Town and the Museum each loaned $500 to the Sesquicentennial Committee to purchase commemorative items for sale. We will revisit the finances at the August Town Meeting to see how the money raising is going.

Elon requested $60 for snacks for this meeting, the next two, and the website trainings. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

Jennie reports that Rick Schmidt, who owns approximately the Eastern 1/3 of the meadow (the other ~2/3 is the Town Meadow), came to the Town Meeting briefly to remind people that this is private property. People have been trespassing and leaving garbage as well as fire rings. Please respect his private property.

CWPP – Jennie will bring a proposal requesting a donation for the CWPP work to the August Town Meeting.

Bake and Rummage Sale – Elon has scheduled this event for August 22. The Finn’s have offered the Beer Garden and Sinner’s have offered their side yard. More info to follow.

Couches with “free” signs were left on Main Street. It was requested that people NOT do this – save items like this for the town rummage sale.

NEXT MEETING – August 10, 2009 – ELECTIONS! Jennie will NOT be running, so be thinking about who could/would fill her shoes – she’s done an awesome job.